Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’: Joaquin Phoenix Still in Negotiation for the Role

By Jovelyn Javier Sep 01, 2014 08:52 AM EDT

Marvel's ‘Doctor Strange': Joaquin Phoenix Still in Negotiation for the Role

One of Marvel's highly anticipated comic book adaptations "Doctor Strange" has set its eyes on three-time Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix as the frontrunner for the role few months back, but after reports attaching him to the upcoming project; there really hasn't been any confirmation from Marvel's side.

Without any confirmation, a lot of Hollywood big names popped out to take on the role. There's Jared Leto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Adrien Brody, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Boardwalk Empire's Jack Huston and now even Daniel Radcliffe. However, recently; it seems Joaquin Phoenix is still in the running for the role of Marvel's sorcerer. Collider initially reported that the "Her" star is still in negotiation with Marvel for the film and that it's nearing completion.

The report also added that Phoenix's official attachment to the franchise got delayed due to the fact that Marvel is known for signing actors to lengthy picture deals, such as with the case of Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. He was probably hesitant at taking the project cause it could affect his availability for other roles.

And while Joaquin Phoenix's involvement is not yet official, it seems like he will eventually take up the role. Scott Derrickson was previously announced to helm with writer Jon Spaihts. It is scheduled for a July 8, 2016 release.

Meanwhile, Phoenix is busy filming for an untitled Woody Allen project with Emma Stone.